Jakarta, April 27 -- Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia is pushing for the implementation of the B50 biodiesel and E20 bioethanol programs as a key strategy to achieve national energy self-sufficiency.

Accelerating the adoption of biofuels, alongside optimizing oil lifting, is part of the government's broader efforts to address the global energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East.

"First, we must optimize our oil lifting. Second, we need diversification, such as B50, which can reduce diesel imports. Third, we must also push forward the E20 program," Bahlil said at the Merdeka Palace on Monday.

The mandatory B50 biodiesel program, set to take effect on July 1, is expected to reduce fossil fuel cons...